Robert E. Lee portrait debate

Scott McIntyre/Staff While the Lee County Commission moves forward in their agenda on Tuesday Aug. 13 2013, one attendee reads an editorial about the controversy surrounding a portrait of Robert E. Lee that hangs front and center in the Lee County Commission chambers. The NAACP has asked Lee County to remove the Robert E. Lee portrait from commission chambers. There has been passionate debate back and forth about that amid the backdrop of the George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin verdict. The county was named after the Civil War Confederate army general.

Scott McIntyre/Staff As the Lee County Commission moves forward in their agenda on Tuesday Aug. 13 2013, attendees enter and exit the chambers. A portrait of Robert E. Lee hangs front and center in the Lee County Commission chambers. The NAACP has asked Lee County to remove the Robert E. Lee portrait from commission chambers. There has been passionate debate back and forth about that amid the backdrop of the George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin verdict. The county was named after the Civil War Confederate army general.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass listens to public comment during session on Tuesday Aug. 13 2013, attendees enter and exit the chambers. A portrait of Robert E. Lee hangs front and center in the Lee County Commission chambers. The NAACP has asked Lee County to remove the Robert E. Lee portrait from commission chambers. There has been passionate debate back and forth about that amid the backdrop of the George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin verdict. The county was named after the Civil War Confederate army general.

A possible alternative for the current Robert E. Lee portrait in question. Lee is painted in plain clothes in a modern version of a portrait.